CASO CLÍNICO

 

Odontoma located within the inferior alveolar nerve: radiographic diagnosis and surgical management of a clinical case

Odontoma localizado dentro del conducto dentario inferior: diagnóstico radiográfico y tratamiento quirúrgico de un caso clínico

 

 

J. Vázquez Diego¹, C. Gandini Pablo², E. Carbajal Eduardo³

1 Jefe de Trabajos Prácticos Regular. Cátedra de Radiología. Facultad de Odontología-Universidad de Buenos Aires. Argentina.
2 Ayudante de Primera Regular. Cátedra de Cirugía B. M. F. III. Facultad de Odontología-Universidad de Buenos Aires. Argentina.
3 Profesor Adjunto Regular. Cátedra de Radiología. Facultad de Odontología. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Argentina.

Correspondence

 

 

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ABSTRACT

A clinical case of odontoma, located within the inferior dental nerve in a 54-year-old female patient, is reported. The lesion was situated and diagnosed by means of a conventional panoramic radiography technique. Then, a surgical approach was carried out to remove the pathological entity, and a short- and long-term follow-up control was done to evaluate sensitive recovery of the involved area. Later on, a histo-pathological study confirmed our previous diagnosis of odontoma. Based on our findings, odontoma is analyzed according to its location, sex and age of patients, as well as radiographic appearance. This analysis is presented through tables and graphics, after reviewing the scientific literature on this subject published over the last decade.

Key words: Odontoma; Panoramic technique; Surgical treatment; Inferior alveolar nerve.

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RESUMEN

Se presenta un caso clínico de odontoma localizado dentro del conducto dentario inferior. El paciente de 54 años de edad es de sexo femenino. Se utiliza la técnica radiográfica panorámica para poder localizar y diagnosticar la afección. Posteriormente se realizó la intervención quirúrgica para extirpar la lesión y se realizó un seguimiento a corto y largo plazo para evaluar la recuperación de la sensibilidad de la zona afectada. El estudio histopatológico confirmó el diagnóstico de odontoma. Basado en lo expuesto se analiza al odontoma según ubicación, sexo y edad habiendo realizado una revisión de la literatura representada en tablas y gráficos.

Palabras clave: Odontoma; Técnica panorámica; Tratamiento quirúrgico; Conducto dentario inferior; Caso clínico.

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Introduction

Odontogenic benign tumors are new growths that originate in dental tissues such as dental lamina, dental papilla or the dental sack. Odontoma is the most common kind of benign odontogenic tumor. According to various authors it is found in 51% to 67% of these cases. This tumor is a lesion of epithelial and mesenchymal odontogenic cells that are completely differentiated and from enamel, dentine and cement.^1-4

They are classified into 3 categories: compound odontoma, complex odontoma and ameloblastic fibro odontoma. Compound odontoma is a deformity in which all of the dental tissues are represented by a pattern that is more organized than that of the complex odontoma as a result the lesion is formed of many dental structures. The majority of the lesions don't look like a normal dentition, but in each one the enamel, dentine, cement and pulp are arranged like a normal tooth. Complex odontoma is a deformity in which all of the dental tissue is represented; in general it is individually well formed but arranged according to an unorganized pattern. The ameloblastic fibro-odontoma is a new growth that has the same general characteristics of ameloblast fibroma which contains dentine and enamel.^5-8

Clinical characteristics indicate that complex odontoma is more frequent than compound odontoma and is predominately found in men between the ages of 20 and 30. Compound odontoma is usually located in the anterosuperior sector associated with a retained tooth while complex odontoma is usually located in the posteroineferior sector and is a slow growing, asymptomatic tumor. The treatment for this condition is surgical, although some authors recommend followup and once the tumor is removed it shouldn't recur.

Histopathologically, compound odontoma have less calcified pulp, primary dentine and enamel than the normal primary dental cement structure and as bone trabeculate between the denticles. Complex odontomas are characterized by primary dentine, normal or less calcified enamel, immature cement and a capsule^9-13.

From a radiographic point of view, compound odontoma has a radio lucid image with many radiopacities that take on a configuration similar to that of the teeth surrounded by the radio lucid band associated with a retained tooth or a supernumerary tooth. The image of the complex odontoma is one or many irregular radiopaque masses surrounded by a radio lucid band. A differential diagnostic can be carried out with the ossifying fibroma, the calcified fibroma or with an adenomatoid odontogenic tumor.^14-16,19

The purpose of this study is to present localized odontoma inside the inferior alveolar nerve in a clinical case using a radiographic diagnostic, its surgical treatment and carry out a review of the scientific literature.

 

Clinical Case

A female patient age 54 attends a consult after suffering acute inflammation in the left posterior section of the inferior maxilla (Fig. 1). The patient reports having gone to an odontologist one month prior and that an intraoral radiography was taken and no visible pathology was found in the image given the absence of teeth.

A complete clinical study was carried out observing the absence of two inferior left molars. Good buccal dental health was observed. From there it was decided to take an external oral panoramic X-ray in order to more amply see the affected area (Fig. 2).

The X-ray showed a radiopaque image, circular in form with net margins at the left posteroinferior section at the height of the interior alveolar nerve in the molar zone. Upon carrying out the anamnesis the patient mentioned that during the period of infection that she endured in the days prior she had paresthesia in that area. With this we determine that something happened related to the inferior alveolar nerve. Because of its location, size and shape we dismiss the idea that it could be a radicular remnant of previous dental extractions. It is observed as being bigger than what could possibly be a radicular remnant of a tooth although its position is transversal.

Having carried out the pertaining studies we decided to surgically remove the tumor. The photos show the different surgical steps.

We decided to carry out enucleation of the pathology, in which a linear incision is made over the toothless edge with a 3.3 level rush. Following osteotomy of the zone where the lesion was thought to be, we found granulation inside the osteolitic cavity. The inferior alveolar nerve was found and lifted using a delicate maneuver. Immediately behind it there is a small solid surface that is pulled back with difficulty given the small space and the objective not to harm the inferior alveolar nerve which is re-placed in its duct. In figure number 3 we observe the remaining cavity, grooved from left to right with a vascular nervous bundle. In figure 4 we see the suture already carried out and in figure 5 we see the extracted material that was sent out for anatomicopatological studies in the Catedra de Anatomia Patologica de la Facultad de Odontologia de la Universidad de Buenos Aires.

 

In Figure 8 we observe periapical radiography of control taken after one year. When the odontoma is observed in an area that tends to increase in bone density through its superior and inferior corticals we can see a track of dental conduct. The patient fully recovered sensitivity.

The anatomicopatological report reports macroscopically finding a cyndrical piece of hard tissue measuring 0.7 x 0.4 x 0.3 cm and 3 soft tissue fragments, white translucent, which when cut no abnormalities were found. Microscopically it is made up of dental tissue fragments, sclerotic bone tissue enamel and fibrogranulomatous reaction with infiltrated inflammatory limphoplasmocitary. The corresponding diagnosis of the dental tissues as well as chronic inflammatory extraction, this diagnosis is said to be compatible with that of odontoma.

 

Discussion and Conclusion

Tumors of odontogenic origin make up 4 % of buccal cavity and maxilla lesions. The cysts usually make up 13% and the remaining 83% are other pathologies, according to the literature consulted (Table 1).

According to the criteria of various authors, odontoma can be classified as the most frequent benign odontogenic tumor. It is more predominant than other tumors. Complex odontoma is found in 37% of cases, Compound odontoma is found in 30% of cases, and ameloblastoma in 14% and myxoma in 7% of cases (Table 2).^1,17-19

According to the biography consulted men are predisposed. The percentages are the following: Male 60.5% Female 39.5%)^1,2,20-22.

The patient treated in this study is female in her sixties. The lesion was found in the inferior maxilla in the left posterior zone. According to the biography, because of the location of the lesion, and the sex and age of the patient this case does not correspond to typical cases^1,23-28.

I remain certain that the panoramic technique is the conventionally appropriate radiographic study in order to be able to diagnose these types of affections with complete visibility of the maxillas and bordering structures because of its low gonodal exposure²⁹.

From what we have seen it shows the importance of being able to solicit an appropriate radiographical study to be able to obtain a presumably correct diagnosis based on location, shape and size of the lesion. Carrying out the strict guidelines of biosecurity and proper implementation of the operative steps in surgical treatment are vital to avoiding possible complications after surgery. Using Histopathological studies is essential to resolving the case and follow-up using radio graphic controls over the short and long term.

 

 

Correspondence:
J. Vázquez Diego
Av. Corrientes 2362 2º piso departamento "C"
C P 1046. Ciudad de Buenos Aires. Argentina
E- Mail: jv983@hotmail.com.ar

Recibido: 27.03.2008
Aceptado: 20.02.2009

 

 

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